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World Gone By 2/8

Lars C. “Captain Chris” Endresen died last night in his 81st year. A Grays Harbor resident for 50 years, he was a sparmaker whose handicraft swept many an ocean.

He was also a shipbuilder taking part in constructing some of the first ships ever built here. He aided in constructing the schooner J.M. Weatherwax, the first ship ever launched from Grays Harbor.

50 years ago, February 8, 1963

• Construction of a Port of Grays Harbor building is under way to house Boelite, Inc., the new Harbor industry which will produce Boelite — “the stainless steel of plastics.”

Ed Lundgren of Aberdeen has been awarded an approximately $68,000 contract for the structure which will go up near Grays Harbor Chair & Manufacturing Plant 1 in the Port Dock area.

Marcus McCorkel, Boelite president and general manager, informed the Hoquiam Rotarian Club yesterday the target date for opening the plant is May 1. Eventually three shifts will be employed which will amount to a work force of 22.

• Charlie Choker, the large wood statue at the entrance to Grays Harbor College, lies on his back today, the victim of vandals, say Aberdeen police.

Police found the statue early this morning tipped over, aluminum paint sprayed on his nose and base.

The weight of the statue and many footprints at the scene led police to believe perhaps 25 to 30 persons were involved in the act.

25 years ago, February 8, 1988

• There’s a lot of huffing and puffing going on at the Aberdeen YMCA Tuesday and Thursday mornings. “Target Walking” is the newest offering in the Y’s aerobics program. The program is aimed at those who want an exercise program, but can’t handle the physical impact of aerobics, according to instructor Pam Aho.

Thirty-eight walkers showed up the first week and their response has been enthusiastic, said Aho, who has been teaching aerobics for 14 years.

Mary Ann Quigg and registered nurses Shirley Godfey and Kathy Haskey are working with Aho on the program.

• Four music students from Hoquiam High School and four from Aberdeen will perform in the prestigious All-State choir and band this weekend in Tacoma. Participants were chosen by taped auditions.